Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Surgical-Risk Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials and Propensity-Matched Studies.

BACKGROUND: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials (RCT) and propensity-matched (PSM) studies comparing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low surgical risk patients. METHODS: Published studies including low-risk patients who underwent TAVI (n = 9068) or SAVR (n = 17,388) were included. Outcomes of interest were short-term (30-day) and mid-term (1-year) mortality and major complications. RESULTS: Short-term mortality was lower with TAVI vs. SAVR (1.8% vs. 2.8%, RR = 0.67, [0.56-0.80]). TAVI was associated with lower risk of atrial fibrillation (7.4% vs. 36.5%, RR = 0.21, [0.14-0.31]), and kidney injury (5.3% vs. 9%, RR = 0.45, [0.26-0.80]), but had higher incidence of vascular complications (5.5% vs. 1.4%, RR = 4.88 [1.47-16.18]), and permanent pacemaker implantation (14.9% vs. 3.4%, RR = 4.94 [3.03-8.08]). Stroke rates were similar between both interventions (1.7% vs. 2.2%, RR = 0.80 [0.54-1.18]). Mid-term all-cause mortality was similar in the pooled analysis for TAVI vs. SAVR (8.6% vs. 8.4%, RR = 0.90 [0.66-1.24]), but was lower with TAVI in RCTs (2.1% vs. 3.5%, RR = 0.61 [0.39-0.95]). Cardiovascular mortality was lower with TAVI (1.6% vs. 2.9%, RR = 0.55 [0.33-0.90]), but stroke (3% vs. 4.2%, RR = 0.69, [0.45-1.06]) and valve re-interventions rates (0.8% vs. 0.6%, RR = 1.28 [0.52-3.17]) were similar between both strategies. CONCLUSION: TAVI in low surgical risk patients is associated with lower short-term morbidity and mortality compared with SAVR.

Meta-analysis Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Transcarotid Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating transcarotid vascular access for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Published studies evaluating transcarotid vascular access for TAVI were included in this analysis. Outcomes of interest included 30-day mortality, stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), new pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury (AKI), major vascular complication, major bleeding, and myocardial infarction. Pooled estimate for 30-day mortality was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.0% to 6.8%; I2 = 4%), stroke/TIA was 3.4% (95% CI 2.4% to 4.6%; I2 = 0%), new pacemaker implantation was 15.3% (95% CI 10.8% to 19.7%; I2 = 72%), AKI was 3.4% (95% CI 1.3% to 6.5%; I2 = 58%), major vascular complication was 2.4% (95% CI 1.1% to 3.7%; I2 = 46%), major bleeding was 4.3% (95% CI 2.8% to 6.1%; I2 = 11%), and myocardial infarction was 1.1% (95% CI 0.4% to 2.0%; I2 = 0%). Metaregression was carried out to study the association of effect size with the continuous study-level covariates that included average age, proportion of males, and mean STS score. In this regard, mean STS score showed association with major vascular complications (coefficient: 0.008; p = 0.049). Cumulative meta-analysis carried out showed that there was temporal trend of decreasing incidence of stroke/TIA, major vascular complications, and AKI for transcarotid TAVI. In conclusion, transcarotid access for TAVI is a reasonable choice in patients requiring alternate access to transfemoral route.

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement for native aortic valve regurgitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the available literature on using transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for native aortic regurgitation (AR). BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement is the gold standard therapy for native AR. TAVR has emerged as an alternative approach in high-risk patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for reports of at least 5 patients undergoing TAVR for native AR. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding, postprocedural moderate to severe AR, and device success. Pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis and a meta-regression were performed to study the effects of study level covariates on outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (n =998 patients) were included. The rate of procedural success per Valve Academic Research Consortium - 2 (VARC-2) criteria was 86.2% (78.8%-92.2%]. Thirty-day mortality was 11.9% (9.4%-14.7%). Subgroup analysis showed the use of new generation valves was associated with lower 30-day mortality (P = 0.02) and higher device success (P = 0.009) compared with early generation valves. There was no significant difference (P = 0.13) in the rate of 30-day mortality between patients receiving purpose-specific [8.2% (4.3%-13.1%); I2 = 0%] and nonpurpose specific valves [13.0% (8.2%-18.6%); I2 = 25%]. However, device success was higher (P = 0.02) in patients who received purpose-specific valves [96.3% (92.2%-98.9%); I2 = 0%] compared with nonpurpose specific valves [84.4% (75%-91.9%); I2 =46%]. CONCLUSION: TAVR for native AR is associated with acceptable procedural success but increased early mortality. However, the safety and the efficacy of the procedure increased with newer valves.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background The risks and benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes have not been well established. We pooled evidence from all available clinical trials to assess the cardiovascular effects of this drug. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Methods We queried electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov) from their inception to July 2017 for published and unpublished placebo controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors. Only studies with a follow-up period of at least 24 weeks and reporting at least one cardiovascular outcome were included. Results from trials were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Thirty-five eligible studies (canagliflozin, nine; empagliflozin, eight; dapagliflozin, 18), consisting of 34,987 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Pooled results show that SGLT2 inhibitors, when compared to placebo, significantly reduce all-cause mortality (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70-0.89; P < 0.001), major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.76-0.92; P < 0.001), non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.98; P = 0.03) and heart failure/hospitalisation for heart failure (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59-0.76; P < 0.001) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No significant difference was noted in the occurrence of stroke (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85-1.21; P = 0.87), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.31-1.19; P = 0.15) or unstable angina (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73-1.25; P = 0.73). In addition, there was no heterogeneity between different drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class for all of the clinical outcomes studied ( I2 = 0). Conclusions SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the incidence of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, non-fatal myocardial infarction and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subtypes of SGLT2 inhibitors appear to have similar cardiovascular effects.

Predictive Model for Blood Product Use in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

OBJECTIVE: To build a clinical predictive model to determine the need for transfusing blood and its products in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures in South East Asian population. STUDY DESIGN: Analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January 2006 to October 2014. METHODOLOGY: Information on pre-, intra- and postoperative variables were collected for all adult patients who underwent on-pump CABG. The patients grouped into those who received blood and its components, and those who did not. Aunivariate as well as multivariate logistic model was built to determine the predictors of transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 3,550 patients underwent CABG and males were dominant in both groups (75 vs. 93%). The transfusion rate was 56.4% (n=2001). Age (adjusted OR 1.03, p < 0.001), obesity (1.50, p=0.001), tobacco use (1.29, p=0.001), and male gender (4.51, p < 0.001) found to be a stronger predictor. Among preoperative comorbidities, diabetes (1.20, p=0.016), myocardial infarction (1.22, p=0.009), preoperative creatinine (1.12, p=0.033), and left main vessel disease of > 50% (1.49, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the outcome. Compared to elective cases, transfusion rates were high in urgent and emergent cases (OR: 1.93 and 3.36 respectively, p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Age, male gender, obesity, tobacco use, diabetes, myocardial infarction, high creatinine, urgent and emergent cases were independent predictors of transfusion in CABG procedure. This model can be utilized for preoperative risk stratification of patients and their management to improve the outcomes.

Successful tricuspid valvectomy in a septic patient with tricuspid valve endocarditis.

Endocarditis is characterized by vegetations, which is a mass of platelets, fibrin, micro-colonies of micro-organisms, and inflammatory cells, in the endocardium. Over the past three decades, the incidence of right-sided endocarditis has risen dramatically in Pakistan. We report a 36-year woman with a history of repeated intravenous analgesic injections for low back pain, presenting with high grade fever, sepsis and a white cell count of 44,000 with 90% neutrophils. Echocardiography showed large mobile vegetations on Tricuspid Valve (TV). Tricuspid Valve Endocarditis (TVE) is generally responsive to medical treatment; however, about 25% of TVE patients require surgical intervention. Long-term survival of a patient is possible without a prosthetic TV replacement, particularly if the pulmonary artery pressure is normal.

Diagnostic dilemma: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy versus acute coronary syndrome.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a kind of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by transient apical ballooning of the heart. This often results from sudden, temporary weakening of the myocardium. Initially defined in the absence of coronary artery disease, it has since expanded to involve patients with coronary artery disease. This inclusion is not free of challenges now faced at distinguishing between the two when they occur concomitantly, impacting the therapeutic interventions. We present a case of takotsubo cardiomyopathy with simultaneous coronary artery disease that responded well to conservative management and resulted in complete recovery of the patient. This reiterates the principle that a case-by-case evaluation of patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy with underlying coronary artery disease needs to be made before an individualized therapeutic approach can be taken.

Rarity revisited: cryptococcal peritonitis.

Cryptococcal peritonitis is a rare disease. Although the respiratory tract is considered to be the usual port of entry for the organism, the gastrointestinal tract can also serve as the potential site of entry. Here, we present a case of cryptococcal peritonitis that developed in an HIV-negative patient with underlying liver cirrhosis. We reviewed the literature and a total of 61 cases of cryptococcal peritonitis were identified. Liver cirrhosis, HIV/AIDS and end-stage renal disease on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis were the major risk factors for developing crytococcal peritonitis.

Dyspnoea and the ovaries: a rare presentation of Krukenberg tumour.

Krukenberg tumour is a metastatic signet-ring adenocarcinoma of the ovary, usually with a gastrointestinal primary detected metachronously or synchronously. We present here a case of a 48 year-old woman who presented with a prolonged history of dyspnoea on exertion. Workup had revealed a pelvic mass. Thoracocentesis of her pleural effusion, with cytology, and pathology reports from her total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy revealed a carcinoma with signet-ring cells. Immunostains were positive for CDX2, CK7 and CK20, which was highly suggestive of a gastric primary. Colonoscopy was negative, and an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a few small crater ulcers, the biopsy of which was negative for cancer. A right-sided pleurodesis was performed for the unremitting malignant effusion, and a PleurX catheter was placed in her left pleural space. She was discharged home with a very poor prognosis.

Genetic backgrounds of the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistant transporter (pfcrt) alleles in Pakistan.

Chloroquine (CQ) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has been associated with point mutations in the P. falciparum CQ resistance transporter gene (pfcrt). Previous studies have shown 4-5 independent origins for CQ resistant pfcrt alleles globally, two in South America, one each in Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Philippines. In Asia, at least two different alleles corresponding to amino acids 72-76 (CVIET and SVMNT) have been found. The CVIET allele originated in Southeast Asia and then spread to Asia and Africa as well. The SVMNT allele, originating from PNG, has been found in India. This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic background of the CQ resistant pfcrt haplotypes in Pakistan. We genotyped microsatellite markers surrounding the pfcrt gene (six different markers at -12.3, -4.8, -1, 1.5, 3.9, 18.8 kb) in 114 clinical isolates of P. falciparum collected from different regions in Pakistan. Microsatellite analysis showed a significant reduction in genetic variation among the mutant SVMNT pfcrt alleles when compared to wild type alleles. The predominant SVMNT haplotype found in this study shared the same microsatellite haplotype found in both PNG and India. Two isolates with CVIET haplotypes showed similar microsatellite background to those found in Africa and Asia. In conclusion, this study suggests that CQ resistant SVMNT haplotypes in India and Pakistan have a common ancestral origin similar to that of Papua New Guinean isolates.